Vedic living in a modern world: International conference at Maharishi University

Leaders in Vedic studies and modern science will meet at Maharishi University of Management for 11th World Association for Vedic Studies conference; Plenary talks will be webcast; Topics include yoga, meditation, natural medicine, higher states, and more

IMAGE: "This is the first time such a large and diverse group of Vedic scholars has come together on the campus to explore the relevance of ancient Vedic knowledge in today's...
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Credit: WAVES

The Eleventh World Association for Vedic Studies (WAVES) conference is coming to Fairfield, Iowa's Maharishi University of Management (MUM) on Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 3. To watch the main plenary talks, visit https://new.livestream.com/mum.

This is the first time such a large and diverse group of Vedic scholars has come together on the campus to explore the relevance of ancient Vedic knowledge in today's world. Topics will include Yoga, natural medicine, higher states of consciousness, and reflections on the various Vedic texts.

The MUM Argiro Student Center will be the venue for the conference that will begin on Thursday evening, July 31 at 7:00 pm, with an invocation by the Maharishi Vedic Pandits. The inaugural, keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Girish Momaya, from Maharishi European Research University, Vlodrop, Holland, on the topic of Vedanta.

Esteemed Indian guests, including internationally renowned peace advocate, Ved Prakash Nanda, Director of the International Legal Studies program at University of Denver, will give keynote addresses on Saturday evening, August 2. Other well-known speakers from around the country and the world will include Shashi Tiwari, a Sanskrit professor from Delhi University, Rajiv Malhotra, founder of The Infinity Foundation, and Ashok Narhar Aklujkar, professor emeritus of Sanskrit at the University of British Columbia.

MUM faculty presentations are on Friday evening, August 1. The featured speakers will include world-renowned physicist Dr. John Hagelin, who will present talks on the topics of "Quantum Origins of Consciousness," "Higher States of Consciousness," and "Consciousness and the Unified Field." Also presenting are health experts Robert Schneider, MD, FACC, Director, Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention, and Nancy Lonsdorf, MD. Fred Travis, PhD, Director, Center for Brain, Consciousness, and Cognition, will discuss Transcendental experiences during meditation. MUM Executive VP Craig Pearson and Ken Chandler will describe experiences of higher states of consciousness found in World Literature and Greek Philosophy.

Other topics include Vedic perspectives on women's issues, the impact of Veda on Greek Philosophy, Ramayana as a treatise on leadership, and Adi Shankara's exposition on the attainment of Brahman.

In addition to the plenary talks, numerous concurrent breakout sessions and panel discussions will provide for more than 100 presentations in three days. Click on the schedule of speakers and topics for a list of presentations along with locations.

Several special features of this conference make this event of interest not only to academics, but to the general public as well. Pandit Nandkishor Muley, a world-renowned Indian santoor maestro and professor of Indian music, will be performing on Sunday afternoon, August 3, in Dalby Hall on the MUM campus, and will be followed by live Vedic recitations by the Maharishi Vedic Pandits.

World Association of Vedic Studies (WAVES) is a multidisciplinary academic society. It is a forum for all scholarly activities and views on any area of Vedic Studies variously called Indian Studies, South Asian Studies or Indology. WAVES is not confined to study related to Vedas alone or to India alone. It encompasses all that applies to traditions commonly called Vedic, past, present and future, anywhere in the world.

About Maharishi University of Management

Founded in 1971, Maharishi University of Management (MUM) offers Consciousness-Based℠ Education, a traditional academic curriculum enhanced with self-development programs like the Transcendental Meditation® technique. Students are encouraged to follow a more sustainable routine of study, socializing and rest without the typical college burnout. All aspects of campus life nourish the body and mind, including organic vegetarian meals served fresh daily. Located in Fairfield, Iowa, MUM is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the arts, sciences, humanities, and business. Visitors Weekends are held throughout the year. For more information, call the Admissions Office at 800-369-6480 or visit http://www.mum.edu.

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